June 22nd to July 3rd 2009
www.blas.ie

Now in its fourteenth year, the Blas Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance at the University of Limerick goes from strength to strength, increasing students numbers and the list of its tutors year-on-year. Plans for Blas 2009 are in full swing.

Master Classes in areas of choice are scheduled twice daily - 90 minutes each – providing a unique learning experience for students, allowing contact hours with tutors of the highest calibre in Irish music and dance, including Dónal Lunny (currently artist-in-residence at the Irish World Academy) and Alec Finn on bouzouki, Iarla Ó Lionáird and Karan Casey (voice), Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin (piano), Martin Hayes, Matt Cranitch and John Carty (fiddle), Colin Dunne and Michael Ryan (dance), Dennis Cahill (guitar), Brian Finnegan, Conal Ó Gráda and Majella Bartley (flute/whistle), Tommy Hayes (bodhrán) and Derek Hickey (accordion). Lectures are part of the daily routine, dealing with related topics of Irish Music and Dance, as well as optional Irish language classes each morning.

Students choosing to avail of the superb residential facilities at the University of Limerick, will gain greater benefit from the Blas experience as they will be immersed in the atmosphere of the social interaction as well as academic development. Students will also have the opportunity to dip into disciplines/areas of focus other than their own. Blas is available on a one-week as well as a two-week basis.

The University of Limerick offers the opportunity to receive 3 Credits - awarded after attending the full 2 week school and sitting an examination on the last day. The Irish World Academy’s own faculty members, including Catherine Foley, Mats Melin and Orfhlaith Ní Bhriain (dance), Sandra Joyce (bodhrán), Aileen Dillane, Niall Keegan and (flute) will lend their weight to the tutor list, giving workshops, masteclasses and lectures throughout the two weeks of the summer school.

For further information and application forms, see www.blas.ie or contact Carl Corcoran, Director, Blas Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance, University of Limerick. Phone: 061 213431 or email carl.corcoran@ul.ie